Kindred of the East: the Song of Lanterns

Dance of the Thrashing Dragon

R'e- Part 5

In early times in Japan, bamboo-and-paper lanterns were used with candles inside.

A blind man, visiting a friend one night, was offered a lantern to carry home with him.

“I do not need a lantern,” he said. “Darkness or light is all the same to me.”

“I know you do not need a lantern to find your way,” his friend replied, “but if you don’t have one, someone else may run into you. So you must take it.”

The blind man started off with the lantern and before he had walked very far someone ran squarely into him. “Look out where you are going!” he exclaimed to the stranger. “Can’t you see this lantern?”

“Your candle has burned out, brother,” replied the stranger.

You are almost done with your time of instruction. The Disciplines you have learned and the abilities you have refined are now a part of you. It has been almost a year since you started learning how to be a Kuei-jin. It is almost time for your Fire and Water Test. Only the sensei of the Thrashing Dragons has yet to teach you…

As you get to your quarters, hundreds of colorful clothes fill the hall.

Pink Fox, the sensei of the Thrashing Dragon, has sent you a hand crafted invitation to the parking lot at 8pm. Apparently she wants you to dress up…